Laminate splice protector

ABSTRACT

Certain splice arrangements include first and second laminate structures bonded around a splice location at which two or more optical fibers are spliced (e.g., fusion spliced) together. The first and second laminate structures each include a flexible polymeric sheet and a heat activated adhesive layer carried by the flexible polymeric sheet. Other splice arrangements include a protective barrier disposed about an optical splice. The protective barrier includes first and second protective layers bonded around the optical splice. Each protective layer include a film carrying an adhesive. The protective barrier may be sufficiently flexible to not restrict flexing the optical fibers at the splice location. Example splice arrangements have thicknesses of less than or equal to 1000 microns, or 900 microns, or 800 microns, or 700 microns, or 600 microns or 500 microns.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage Application of PCT/US2019/052154,filed on Sep. 20, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/734,110, filed on Sep. 20, 2018, and claims thebenefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/836,294, filed on Apr.19, 2019, and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.62/879,573, filed on Jul. 29, 2019, and claims the benefit of U.S.Patent Application Ser. No. 62/898,742, filed on Sep. 11, 2019, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made toeach of the above disclosed applications.

BACKGROUND

Fiber optic communication systems are becoming prevalent in part becauseservice providers want to deliver high bandwidth communicationcapabilities (e.g., data and voice) to customers. Fiber opticcommunication systems employ a network of fiber optic cables to transmitlarge volumes of data and voice signals over relatively long distances.Optical fiber splices are an important part of most fiber opticcommunication systems. Optical fiber splices are typically used toprovide a permanent or near permanent optical connection between opticalfibers. Optical splices can include single fiber splices and multi-fibersplices (e.g., mass fusion splices). In a common splicing operation, twooptical fibers or two sets of optical fibers are first co-axiallyaligned. Often opto-electronic equipment is used to provide activealignment of the cores of the optical fibers. Once the optical fibershave been aligned, the ends of the optical fibers can be fusion splicedtogether usually by an electric arc. After splicing, the splice locationis typically reinforced with a fiber optic fusion splice protector. Acommon type of fiber optic fusion splice protector is a SMOUV fiberoptic fusion splice protector sold by CommScope Inc. of Hickory, N.C.,USA. This type of fusion splice protector includes an outer shrink-fittube, a low temperature hot melt adhesive and a stainless steel orceramic rod which functions to add rigidity to the protector and toreinforce the splice location.

SUMMARY

Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to a splice arrangementincluding first and second laminate structures positioned around asplice location at which two or more optical fibers are spliced (e.g.,fusion spliced) together. The first and second laminate structures eachinclude a polymeric sheet and an adhesive layer carried by the polymericsheet. The adhesive layer bonds to the spliced fibers to sandwich thefibers between the polymeric sheets.

In certain implementations, the adhesive layer may include multiplelayers of adhesive. For example, the adhesive layer may include a layerof soft adhesive against a layer of hard adhesive.

Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to a splice arrangementincluding first and second laminate structures positioned around asplice location at which two or more optical fibers are spliced (e.g.,fusion spliced) together. The first and second laminate structures eachinclude a flexible polymeric sheet and a heat activated adhesive layercarried by the flexible polymeric sheet. The sheets can be bondedtogether (e.g., via the adhesive).

Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to a splice arrangementincluding first and second films positioned across a splice location atwhich two or more optical fibers are spliced (e.g., fusion spliced)together. The first and second films each carry an adhesive that bondsto the optical fibers and/or to coating on the optical fibers to form aprotective barrier around the splice location.

In examples, each film includes a flexible polymeric sheet. In anexample, the flexible polymeric sheet includes polyester plastic.

In certain implementations, no chemicals are needed to activate theadhesive. In some examples, the adhesive is heat activated. In otherexamples, the adhesive is pressure activated. In still other examples,the adhesive is UV curable to activate the adhesive. In otherimplementations, the adhesive is chemically activated.

In some implementations, a single optical fiber is spliced to anothersingle optical fiber at the splice location. In other implementations, aplurality of optical fibers are spliced to another plurality of opticalfibers at the splice location. In some examples, the optical fibers ofeach plurality are loose relative to each other. In other examples, theoptical fibers of each plurality are loosely ribbonized relative to eachother. In still other examples, the optical fibers of each plurality arefully ribbonized relative to each other.

In certain implementations, the protective barrier may have a thicknessof no more than 0.2 inches greater than a thickness of the splicedfibers. In certain implementations, the protective barrier may have athickness of no more than 0.15 inches greater than a thickness of thespliced fibers. In certain implementations, the protective barrier mayhave a thickness of no more than 0.1 inches greater than a thickness ofthe spliced fibers. In certain implementations, the protective barriermay have a thickness of no more than 0.05 inches greater than athickness of the spliced fibers. In certain implementations, theprotective barrier may have a thickness of no more than 0.04 inchesgreater than a thickness of the spliced fibers. In certainimplementations, the protective barrier may have a thickness of no morethan 0.03 inches greater than a thickness of the spliced fibers. Incertain implementations, the protective barrier may have a thickness ofno more than 0.02 inches greater than a thickness of the spliced fibers.In certain implementations, the protective barrier may have a thicknessof no more than 0.01 inches greater than a thickness of the splicedfibers.

In certain implementations, the films each have a thickness of no morethan 0.03 inches. In certain implementations, the films each have athickness of no more than 0.02 inches. In certain implementations, thefilms each have a thickness of no more than 0.01 inches. In certainimplementations, the films each have a thickness of no more than 0.006inches. In certain implementations, the films each have a thickness ofno more than 0.003 inches.

In certain implementations, the protective barrier has a flexibility onpar with a flexibility of the optical fibers being spliced. In certainimplementations, the protective barrier is sufficiently flexible to notnoticeably diminish a flexibility of the optical fibers at the splicelocation. In certain implementations, the protective barrier does notrestrict the flexibility of the optical fibers at the splice location.

In certain implementations, the protective barrier adds rigidity orstiffness to the cable arrangement at the location of the splice. Forexample, the protective barrier may be no more than 50% as flexible asthe cable arrangement. In certain examples, the protective barrier mayless than 55% as flexible as the cable arrangement. In certain examples,the protective barrier may less than 60% as flexible as the cablearrangement. In certain examples, the protective barrier may less than45% as flexible as the cable arrangement. In certain examples, theprotective barrier may between about 1% as flexible as the cablearrangement and 55% as flexible as the cable arrangement. In certainexamples, the protective barrier may between about 10% as flexible asthe cable arrangement and 50% as flexible as the cable arrangement. Incertain examples, the protective barrier may between about 10% asflexible as the cable arrangement and 40% as flexible as the cablearrangement. In certain examples, the protective barrier may betweenabout 20% as flexible as the cable arrangement and 55% as flexible asthe cable arrangement. In certain examples, the protective barrier maybetween about 1% as flexible as the cable arrangement and 20% asflexible as the cable arrangement.

The protective barrier may be installed at a factory during factorysplicing operations or in the field during field splicing operations. Invarious examples, the splice location and protective barrier may belocated within a cable (e.g., within a cable jacket), within a connector(e.g., a plug connector), adjacent and external to a connector, within amodule (e.g., a splice tray, a termination module, etc.), within anovermold, within a rigid body (e.g., a protective housing) containingjust the protective barrier, or within an enclosure (e.g., a terminal)containing other components in addition to the protective barrier.

In certain implementations, the protective barrier can have a flexibleconfiguration by varying the film composition and/or the film thickness.Accordingly, each protective barrier can be customized to match aparticular application (e.g., protecting a splice on a rigid tray,protecting a splice within a sealed closure, protecting a splice along aflexible cable, etc.).

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in thedescription that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individualfeatures and to combinations of features. It is to be understood thatboth the forgoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictiveof the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosedherein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the description, illustrate several aspects of the presentdisclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an example cable arrangement including afirst ribbonized cable section spliced to a second ribbonized cablesection at a splice location, the splice location being protected by aMylar substrate arrangement;

FIG. 2 is a transverse cross-section taken along the 2-2 line of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a transverse cross-section taken along the 3-3 line of FIG. 1with the cross-hatching omitted for ease in viewing;

FIG. 4 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of an example protectivebarrier mounted over an optical splice in accordance with principles ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic top plan view of the protective barrier of FIG. 4over an example splice between first and second optical fibers inaccordance with some principles of the present disclosure, theprotective barrier being shown as clear for ease in viewing the splice;

FIG. 6 is a schematic top plan view of the protective barrier of FIG. 4over another example splice between first and second loose fiber ribbonsin accordance with other principles of the present disclosure, theprotective barrier being shown as clear for ease in viewing the splice;

FIG. 7 is a schematic top plan view of an example cable arrangementincluding a first ribbonized cable section spliced to a secondribbonized cable section at a splice location, the splice location beingprotected by the protective barrier of FIG. 4 , for example a Mylarsubstrate arrangement;

FIG. 8A is an end view taken along the 8-8 line of a first exampleimplementation of the cable arrangement of FIGS. 6 and 7 with thecross-hatching omitted for ease in viewing;

FIG. 8B is an end view taken along the 8-8 line of a second exampleimplementation of the cable arrangement of FIGS. 6 and 7 with thecross-hatching omitted for ease in viewing, where FIGS. 8A and 8Billustrates different protective barrier configurations suitable for usewith either of the cable arrangements of FIGS. 6 and 7 ;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an example tool for use in applying theprotective barrier to an optical splice;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing an example splice mounted at thetool of FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a non-adhesive side of an example protectivelayer; and

FIG. 12 is a plan view of an adhesive side of the example protectivelayer of FIG. 11 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the presentdisclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 , in accordance with some aspects of thedisclosure, the present disclosure is directed to a splice arrangement200 including first and second fiber ribbons 202, 204 including rows ofoptical fibers 206, 208 that are fusion spliced together at a splicelocation 210. The first and second fiber ribbons 202, 204 each haveopposite first and second major sides 202 a, 202 b, 204 a, 204 b. Thesplice location is positioned between first and second laminatestructures 212, 222. The first and second laminate structures 212, 222each include a flexible polymeric sheet or film 214, 224 and a heatactivated adhesive layer 216, 226 carried by the flexible polymericsheet 214, 224. The adhesive layer 216 of the first laminate structure212 is bonded to the first major sides 202 a, 204 a of the first andsecond fiber ribbons 202, 204 and the adhesive layer 226 of the secondlaminate structure 222 bonded to the second major sides 202 b, 204 b ofthe first and second fiber ribbons 202, 204.

In certain implementations, the optical fibers 206, 208 include barefiber portions 207, 209 adjacent the splice location 210. The first andsecond laminate structures 212, 222 are adhesively bonded to the barefiber portions 207, 209.

In certain examples, the first and second fiber ribbons 202, 204 includeribbonized portions where the optical fibers 206, 208 are coated with amatrix material. The first and second laminate structures 212, 222 areadhesively bonded to the ribbonized portions.

In certain implementations, the first and second laminate structures212, 222 do not include any reinforcing rods.

In certain implementations, the splice arrangement 200 does not includeany reinforcing rods that extend across the splice location 210.

In certain implementations, the flexible polymeric sheets 214, 224 eachhave a thickness in the range of 0.003 to 0.02 inches.

In certain implementations, the flexible polymeric sheets 214, 224 eachhave a thickness less than or equal to 0.02 inches, or less than orequal to 0.01 inches, or less than or equal to 0.005 inches.

In certain implementations, the first and second laminate structures212, 222 are wider than the first and second fiber ribbons 202, 204. Thefirst and second laminate structures 212, 222 are adhesively bonded toeach other at longitudinal edges 212 a, 222 a, 212 b, 222 b that arepositioned along outer longitudinal edges of the first and second fiberribbons 202, 204.

In certain implementations, each optical fiber 206, 208 includes a coreand a cladding layer surrounding the core.

In certain implementations, the first and second laminate structures212, 222 are approximately as flexible as the fiber ribbons 202, 204.

In certain implementations, the first and second laminate structures212, 222 have a first flexibility. The first and second fiber ribbons202, 204 have ribbonized portions with a second flexibility. The firstand second flexibilities do not vary by more than 25 percent.

In certain implementations, the splice location 210 can be locatedwithin a connector body of a fiber optic connector.

In certain implementations, the heat activated adhesive 216, 226 can beactivated in an oven.

In certain implementations, the flexible polymeric sheets 214, 224include mylar.

In certain implementations, the splice arrangement 200 can be used inpanels, devices, modules, cable assemblies, break-outs and cabletransitions.

In certain implementations, no chemicals are needed to activate theadhesive, 216, 226.

In certain implementations, the splice arrangement 200 has a thicknessless than or equal to 2000 microns, or 900 microns, or 800 microns, or700 microns, or 600 microns or 500 microns.

In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, the splicearrangement 200 includes optical fibers 206, 208 that are fusion splicedtogether at a splice location 210; and first and second laminatestructures 212, 222 each including a flexible polymeric sheet 214, 224and a heat activated adhesive layer 216, 226 carried by the flexiblepolymeric sheet 214, 224. The splice location 210 is positioned andbonded between the first and second laminate structures 212, 222.

Referring to FIGS. 4-7 , in accordance with other aspects of thedisclosure, the present disclosure is directed to a splice arrangement100, 150 including a protective barrier 105, 155 disposed over anoptical splice 110, 160 between at least a first optical fiber 102, 152and a second optical fiber 104, 154 at a splice location. The protectivebarrier 105, 155 includes a first protective layer 112, 162 and aseparate, second protective layer 122, 172 that cooperate with eachother to sandwich the optical splice 110, 160 therebetween. In certainexamples, long thin strips of the first and second protective layers112, 162, 122, 172 can be referred to as “tape.”

In some implementations, each of the first and second protective layers112, 122, 162, 172 includes a separate film 114, 124, 164, 174,respectively. Each film 114, 124, 164, 174 carries a respective adhesivelayer 116, 126, 166, 176. The optical splice 110, 160 is bonded betweenthe adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 of the first and second films114, 124, 164, 174. In other implementations, each of the first andsecond protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 includes a film 114, 124,164, 174 that directly bonds to the optical fibers without anintervening adhesive layer.

Each of the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154 has a bare fiber section106, 156 extending outwardly from a coated fiber section 108, 158. Thebare fiber section 106, 156 of each optical fiber 102, 104, 152. 154includes a core and cladding. Ends of the bare fiber sections 106, 156are spliced together (e.g., fused together) at the splice location. Theprotective barrier 105, 155 extends over at least a portion of the barefiber section 106, 156 of each optical fiber 102, 104, 152, 154. Incertain implementations, the protective barrier 105, 155 also extendsover a portion of the coated section 108, 158 of each optical fiber 102,104, 152, 154.

The films 114, 124, 164, 174 traverse the splice location. The films114, 124, 164, 174 are bonded to opposite sides of the bare fibers 106,156 and/or opposite sides of the coated fiber sections 108, 158 ofoptical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154 spliced together. In some examples,the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 carried by the films 114, 124,164, 174 bond to the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154. In certainexamples, the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 bond to the bare fibersections 106, 156 of the fibers 102, 104, 152, 154. In certain examples,the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 bond to the coated fiber sections108, 158 of the fibers 102, 104, 152, 154. In certain examples, theadhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 bond to both the bare fiber sections106, 156 the coated fiber sections 108, 158 of the fibers 102, 104, 152,154. In certain examples, the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 alsobond to each other at outer extents of the splice location (e.g., atedges of the film that overhang on opposite sides of the opticalsplice). In other examples, the films 114, 124, 164, 174 bond directlyto the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154.

In certain implementations, the protective barrier 105, 155 does notinclude any reinforcing rods or aramid yarns. In certainimplementations, the splice arrangement 100, 150 does not include anyreinforcing rods or aramid yarns that extend across the splice location.

In certain implementations, the splice arrangement 100, 150 has athickness less than or equal to 1000 microns, or less than or equal to900 microns, or less than or equal to 800 microns, or less than or equalto 700 microns, or less than or equal to 600 microns, or less than orequal to 500 microns. In certain implementations, the protective barrier105, 155 has a thickness less than or equal to 1000 microns, or lessthan or equal to 900 microns, or less than or equal to 800 microns, orless than or equal to 700 microns, or less than or equal to 600 microns,or less than or equal to 500 microns.

In certain implementations, each film 114, 124, 164, 174 includes apolymeric sheet. In certain implementations, the polymeric sheets 114,124, 164, 174 each have a thickness in the range of 0.003 to 0.02inches. In certain implementations, the polymeric sheets 114, 124, 164,174 each have a thickness less than or equal to 0.02 inches, or lessthan or equal to 0.01 inches, or less than or equal to 0.005 inches. Incertain implementations, the films 114, 124, 164, 174 include Mylar.

In certain implementations, the adhesive in the adhesive layers 116,126, 166, 176 is heat activated. In some implementations, the adhesivelayers 116, 126, 166, 176 bond to the fibers and/or to each other uponthe application of a predetermined amount of heat. In otherimplementations, the adhesive in the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176is pressure activated. The adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 bond tothe fibers and/or to each other upon the application of a predeterminedamount of pressure applied to the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 viathe films 114, 124, 164, 174. In still other implementations, theadhesive in the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 is UV curable. Theadhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 bond to the fibers and/or to eachother when exposed to a predetermined amount of UV light. In yet stillother implementations, the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 arecovered in a protective backing that can be peeled off or otherwiseremoved from the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 to expose theadhesive. In such implementations, the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166,176 may bond to the fibers and/or to each other upon contact withoutadded heat, light, or pressure. In certain implementations, no chemicalsare needed to activate the adhesive 116, 126, 166, 176.

In some implementations, the adhesive layer 116, 126, 166, 176 varies inthickness over an axial length and/or a lateral width of the protectivebarrier 105, 155. For example, the adhesive layer 116, 126, 166, 176 maybe thicker around the bare fiber sections 106, 156 of the optical fibers102, 104, 152, 154 than around the coated fiber sections 108, 158 (seeFIG. 4 ). In other implementations, the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166,176 may have a consistent thickness over the axial length. In stillother implementations, one of the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 mayhave a different thickness than the other adhesive layer 116, 126, 166,176.

In some implementations, the protective barrier 105, 155 is sufficientlyflexible that the protective barrier 105, 155 does not restrict theflexibility of the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154 at the splicelocation. In certain examples, the first and second protective layers112, 122, 162, 172 are approximately as flexible as the optical fibers102, 104, 152, 154. In other implementations, the protective barrier105, 155 is less flexible than the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154,but more flexible than a standard smouv. In an example, the protectivebarrier 105, 155 has a first flexibility and the optical fibers 102,104, 152, 154 have a second flexibility that does not vary from thefirst flexibility by more than 25 percent.

In other implementations, the protective barrier 105, 155 adds rigidityor stiffness to the cable arrangement at the splice location. Forexample, the protective barrier 105, 155 may be no more than 50% asflexible as the cable arrangement. In certain examples, the protectivebarrier 105, 155 may less than 55% as flexible as the cable arrangement.In certain examples, the protective barrier 105, 155 may less than 60%as flexible as the cable arrangement. In certain examples, theprotective barrier 105, 155 may less than 45% as flexible as the cablearrangement. In certain examples, the protective barrier 105, 155 maybetween about 1% as flexible as the cable arrangement and 55% asflexible as the cable arrangement. In certain examples, the protectivebarrier 105, 155 may between about 10% as flexible as the cablearrangement and 50% as flexible as the cable arrangement. In certainexamples, the protective barrier 105, 155 may between about 10% asflexible as the cable arrangement and 40% as flexible as the cablearrangement. In certain examples, the protective barrier 105, 155 maybetween about 20% as flexible as the cable arrangement and 55% asflexible as the cable arrangement. In certain examples, the protectivebarrier 105, 155 may between about 1% as flexible as the cablearrangement and 20% as flexible as the cable arrangement.

In certain examples, the protective barrier 105, 155 varies inflexibility over an axial length of the protective barrier 105, 155. Incertain examples, the protective barrier 105, 155 may be less flexiblein regions where the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 are thickercompared to regions where the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 arethinner. For example, the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 may bethicker at areas contacting the bare fiber sections 106, 156 of theoptical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154 compared to areas contacting thecoated fiber sections 108, 158 of the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154.Accordingly, the protective barrier 105, 155 may be more rigid at thesplice location compared to the regions around the coated sections 108,158 of the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154.

In certain implementations, the first film 114, 164 has a differentflexibility or thickness than the second film 124, 174. In certainimplementations, the first adhesive layer 116, 166 has a differentflexibility or thickness than the second adhesive layer 126, 176. Incertain implementations, the first film 114, 164 and the second film124, 174 have the same thickness and flexibility. In certainimplementations, the first adhesive layer 116, 166 and the secondadhesive layer 126, 176 have the same thickness and flexibility.

In some implementations, the optical splice 110 is between only thefirst and second optical fibers 102, 104 (see FIGS. 4 and 5 ). Incertain implementations, the films 114, 124 are wider than the first andsecond optical fibers 102, 104. In some such implementations, the firstand second protective layers 112, 122 may adhesively bond to each otherat longitudinal edges 112 a, 122 a, 112 b, 122 b on opposite sides ofthe first and second fibers 102, 104 (e.g., see FIG. 8A). In otherexamples, the first and second protective layers 112, 122 bond only tothe fibers 102, 104 (e.g., see FIG. 8B). In some examples, theprotective layers 112, 122 are manufactured to extend beyond the fibersby a predetermined margin. In other examples, the protective layers 112,122 can be trimmed to a desired size after the protective barrier isinstalled over the splice.

In other implementations, the optical splice 160 is between a first set151 of optical fibers 152 and a second set 153 of optical fibers 154(see FIGS. 6-8 ). For example, the optical splice 160 may be a massfusion splice. In some examples, the optical fibers 152, 154 of each ofthe first and second sets 151, 153 are loose relative to each other(i.e., not attached to each other). In other examples, the opticalfibers 152, 154 of each set 151, 153 are ribbonized together to formfiber ribbons 157. An example ribbon 157 includes a ribbonized portionwhere the optical fibers 152, 154 (e.g., coated sections 158 of thefibers) are coated or otherwise encased with a matrix material. Thefirst and second protective layers 162, 172 are bonded (e.g., adhesivelybonded) to the ribbonized portions.

In still other examples, the optical fibers 152, 154 of each set 151,153 are structured to form loose ribbons 159. As the term is usedherein, a “loose ribbon” 159 refers to a set 151, 153 of fibers 152, 154that are loosely coupled together at various intervals along theirlength. Examples of loose ribbons 159 are disclosed in U.S. PublicationNos. 2014/0112631, 2017/0235068, and 2017/0031121, the disclosures ofwhich are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Other examples ofloose ribbons 159 of fibers 152, 154 include the Rollable Ribbons™produced by OFS Furukawa of Norcross, Ga., the Spiderweb® Ribbonproduced by AFL Telecommunications, LLC of Duncan, S.C., and theRocketRibbon® produced by Corning Optical Communications LLC of Hickory,N.C.

In certain implementations, at least the bare sections 156 of each set151, 153 of fibers 152, 154 are arranged in a row. In certain examples,at least portions of the coated sections 158 of the fibers 152, 154 alsoform the rows. In some implementations, the coated sections 158 of thefibers 152, 154 are loose relative to each other. In otherimplementations, at least some portions of the coated sections 158 ofthe fibers 152, 154 are attached to each other (e.g., at intervals alongthe lengths of the fibers).

Each row has a first major side and an opposite second major side thatextend across the fibers 152, 154 in the row. The first protective layer162 is applied to the first major side of each row and the secondprotective layer 164 is applied to the second major side of each row. Inparticular, the adhesive layers 166, 176 of the protective layers 162,172 extend across the optical fibers 152, 154 in the fiber rows.

In certain implementations, the protective layers 162, 172 are widerthan the rows of the optical fibers 152, 154. The first and secondprotective layers 162, 172 are adhesively bonded to each other atlongitudinal edges 162 a, 172 a, 162 b, 172 b on opposite sides of therows (e.g., see FIG. 8A). In other examples, the first and secondprotective layers 162, 172 bond only to the fibers 152, 154 (e.g., seeFIG. 8B). In some examples, the protective layers 162, 172 aremanufactured to extend beyond the fibers by a predetermined margin. Inother examples, the protective layers 162, 172 can be trimmed to adesired size after the protective barrier is installed over the splice.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 , a tool 180 can be used to install theprotective barrier 105, 155 over an optical splice 110 between at leastfirst and second optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154. The tool 180registers the first and second protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172relative to each other and relative to the optical splice 110, 160. Thetool 180 also may apply the protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 overthe optical splice 110, 160 and retain the protective layers 112, 122,162, 172 in contact with the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154 until theprotective barrier 105, 155 is formed. In certain examples, the tool 180is configured to activate the adhesive of the protective layers 112,122, 162, 172.

The tool 180 for installing a protective barrier 105, 155 over anoptical splice 110, 160 includes a first part 182 and a second part 184.The tool 180 is configured to receive pre-spliced optical fibers 102,104, 152, 154 (i.e., optical fibers that have already been splicedtogether). The tool 180 applies the first and second protective layers112, 122, 162, 172 around the optical splice 110, 160. For example, thetool 180 may receive the optical splice 110, 160 with the first part 182and may receive a protective layer 122, 172 with the second part 184. Incertain examples, the first part 182 also may receive one of theprotective layers 112, 162. In other examples, the first part 182receives the first protective layer 112, 162, the optical splice 110,160 positioned over the first protective layer 112, 162, and the secondprotective layer 122, 172 positioned over the optical splice 110, 160 inalignment with the first protective layer 112, 162.

In certain examples, the tool 180 aligns the optical splice 110, 160with a central region of the protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172. Incertain examples, the tool 180 aligns the first and second films 114,164, 124, 174 with each other at opposite sides of the optical splice110, 160. In certain examples, the tool 180 is configured to move theprotective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 closer together until the adhesivelayers 116, 126, 166, 176 engage the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154.In certain examples, the tool 180 is configured to move the protectivelayers 112, 122, 162, 172 closer together until the adhesive layers 116,126, 166, 176 engage each other. In certain examples, the tool 180 isconfigured to mechanically press the protective layers 112, 122, 162.172 together.

In certain implementations, the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154 arereceived at mechanical holders 190 that can be mounted at the tool 180.A first mechanical holder 190 retains the optical fiber(s) 102, 152 atone side of the optical splice 110, 160 and a second mechanical holder190 retains the optical fiber(s) 104, 154 at the other side of thesplice 110, 160. In certain implementations, the mechanical holders 190are removable from the tool 180. In certain examples, the mechanicalholders 190 are carried with the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154.

In certain implementations, the mechanical holder 190 clamps the opticalfiber(s). In some examples, the mechanical holder 190 retains the baresections 106, 156 of the optical fiber(s) 102, 104, 152, 154. In otherexamples, the mechanical holder 190 retains the coated sections 108, 158of the optical fiber(s) 102, 104, 152, 154. In still other examples, themechanical holder 190 retains a ribbonized section 157, 159 of theoptical fiber(s) 152, 154.

In certain examples, the mechanical holders 190 facilitate mounting theoptical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154 at a separate splice tool at which theoptical splice 110, 160 is formed. For example, the mechanical holders190 can be installed over the respective optical fibers 102, 104, 152,154 before the fibers are spliced together. In fact, the mechanicalholders 190 can be mounted to the fibers 102, 104, 152, 154 inpreparation for preparing the fibers for splicing. For example, a holder190 retaining one or more fibers can be first mounted to a strippingmachine (or otherwise used to mount the fiber(s) at a known locationrelative to the stripping machine) to hold the fiber(s) in positionwhile a coating is removed from the fiber(s). The holder 190 can bemoved to a splicing machine (or to a known location relative to thesplicing machine) to hold the fiber(s) in position while the fiber(s)are spliced to a corresponding one or more fibers. The holder 190 canthen be moved to the tool 180 for applying the protective barrier 155.In examples, the holder 190 can be positioned at or near cleaningdevices to clean the optical fiber(s) between the stripping, splicing,and/or barrier applying steps.

The first part 182 of the tool 180 defines a first holder mountinglocation 181 configured to receive the first mechanical holder 190, asecond holder mounting location 183 configured to receive the secondmechanical holder 190, and a first film mounting location 185 disposedbetween the first and second holder mounting locations 181, 183.

In certain implementations, when the holders 190 are disposed at therespective holder mounting locations 181, 183, the optical splice 110,160 is held at a known position on the tool 180. In certainimplementations, when the holders 190 are disposed at the respectiveholder mounting locations 181, 183, the optical splice 110, 160 is heldabove the first film mounting location 185.

In certain implementations, each of the holder mounting locations 181,183 may define pockets in which the mechanical holders 190 may seat. Incertain examples, the mechanical holders 190 can be secured (e.g.,latched, fasteners, snap-fit, friction-fit, etc.) at the holder mountinglocations 181, 183. In certain examples, the optical splice 110, 160 istensioned when the holders 190 are mounted at the respective holdermounting locations 181, 183. In some cases, tensioning the opticalsplice 110, 160 may straighten the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154between the mechanical holders 190. In an example, the holder mountinglocations 181, 183 are spaced sufficiently far apart to tension theoptical splice 110, 160. In another example, at least one of the holdermounting locations 181, 183 includes a biasing member (e.g. a spring)186 that biases the respective holder 190 away from the other holder190, thereby tensioning the optical splice 110, 160. For example, abiasing member 186 may be disposed within a pocket at the second holdermounting location 183 to bias any holder 190 mounted within the pocketaway from the first holder mounting location 181.

In some implementations, the second part 184 of the tool 180 defines asecond film mounting location 187. Each of the film mounting locations185, 187 is configured to hold one of the protective layers 112, 122,162, 172. For example, the protective layers 112, 162, 122, 172 may befriction-fit, vacuum-fit, clamped, latched, or otherwise held at thefilm mounting locations 185, 187. In certain examples, at least thesecond film mounting location 187 secures the protective layer 122, 172sufficient to move the second part 184 of the tool 180 withoutdislodging the second protective layer 122, 172. In otherimplementations, the second part 184 merely includes structure to presstogether protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 held by the first part 182around the splice 110, 160.

The second part 184 is movable relative to the first part 182 between afirst (e.g., open) position and a second (e.g., closed) position. Insome examples, the second part 184 is pivotal relative to the first part182. In other examples, the second part 184 is slidable (i.e., movablein a straight, non-pivoting motion) relative to the first part 182. Instill other examples, the second part 184 is freely movable relative tothe first part 182 (e.g., is a separate piece from the first part). Whenin the first position, the first and second parts 182, 184 are arrangedto facilitate mounting of the mechanical holders 190 at the holdermounting locations 181, 183. The protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172also can be mounted at the film mounting locations 185, 187 when thefirst and second parts 182, 184 are disposed in the first position.

The first protective layer 112, 162 is applied to the second protectivelayer 122, 172 when the first and second parts 182, 184 of the tool 180are disposed in the second position. In certain examples, the secondfilm mounting location 187 opposes the first film mounting location 185at least when the second part 184 of the tool 180 is disposed in thefirst position. The first and second film mounting locations 185, 187are located farther apart from each other when the second part 184 isdisposed in the first position compared to the second position.

In certain implementations, the tool 180 includes an activator (shownschematically at 189) configured to activate the adhesive of theprotective layers 112, 122, 162, 172. In some examples, the activator189 includes a heater that applies heat to the adhesive layers 116, 126,166, 176 to melt or otherwise cause the adhesive layers to engage eachother. In other examples, the activator 189 includes an emitter thatemits UV light in a direction towards the adhesive layers 166, 176 whenthe adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 are engaged together.

In still other examples, the activator 189 includes one or more pressuremembers that apply pressure across the protective layers 112, 122, 162,172 to press the adhesive layer 116, 166 of the first protective layer112, 162 against the adhesive layer 126, 176 of the second protectivelayer 122, 172. In certain examples, the first and second parts 182, 184are designed so that moving the second part 184 to the second positionautomatically applies sufficient pressure around the protective layersto activate the adhesive. In certain examples, the film mountinglocations 185, 187 are movable towards each other to apply press theprotective layers 112, 162, 122, 172 together.

The protective barrier 105, 155 is sized and configured to allow thesplice arrangement 100, 150 to be utilized in various applications. Inan example, the protective barrier 105, 155 is sized and configured toenable the splice arrangement 100, 150 to be located within a connectorbody of a fiber optic connector. In an example, the protective barrier105, 155 is sized and configured to enable the splice arrangement 100,150 to be located just outside of a fiber optic connector. In anexample, the protective barrier 105, 155 is sized and configured toenable the splice arrangement 100, 150 to be located within a splicetray. In an example, the protective barrier 105, 155 is sized andconfigured to enable the splice arrangement 100 to be located within acable (e.g., within a buffer tube and/or strength layer and/or cablejacket). In an example, the protective barrier 105, 155 is sized andconfigured to enable the splice arrangement 100, 150 to be locatedwithin a sealed reinforcing element (e.g., an overmolded shroud, orother protective casing). In an example, the protective barrier 105, 155is sized and configured to enable the splice arrangement 100, 150 to belocated within a larger enclosure (e.g., a multi-service terminal orother enclosure holding components other than the optical splicearrangement). In certain implementations, the splice arrangement 100,150 can be used in panels, devices, modules, cable assemblies,break-outs and cable transitions.

In certain implementations, the configuration of the protective barrieris flexible. Accordingly, a protective barrier can be customized for aparticular application by varying the film composition and/or the filmthickness. For example, a protective barrier having a first degree offlexibility may be used within a rigid closure and a protective barrierhaving a second, different degree of flexibility may be used along acable (i.e., under the cable jacket).

In use, a protective barrier is installed about an optical splice bypositioning the optical splice between a first adhesive layer carried bya first film and a second adhesive layer carried by a second film;moving the first and second films towards each other until the adhesivelayers engage around the optical splice; and activating the adhesivelayers of the first and second films.

In some examples, the optical splice is a splice between a first singleoptical fiber and a second single optical fiber. In other examples, theoptical splice is a splice between a first plurality of optical fibersand a second plurality of optical fibers. For example, the opticalsplice may be a mass fusion splice.

In certain implementations, the spliced optical fibers are positioned ona tool that applies the protective barrier. In certain examples, thespliced optical fibers are positioned on the tool using mechanicalholders (e.g., fiber clamps). In examples, the optical fibers arepositioned on the tool so as to put tension on the optical splice. Forexample, one or both mechanical holders may be spring-biased away fromthe other mechanical holder.

In some implementations, the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 areactivated before moving the first and second films 114, 124, 164, 174towards each other. For example, a protective backing may be removedfrom the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 before moving the films 114,124, 164, 174 towards each other.

In other implementations, the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 areactivated after the first and second films 114, 124, 164, 174 have beenmoved towards each other. For example, the adhesive layers 116, 126,166, 176 may be activated when the adhesive layers are in contact witheach other. In some examples, the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 areactivated by applying heat. In other examples, the adhesive layers 116,126, 166, 176 are activated by applying pressure. In other examples, theadhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 are activated by applying UV light.

In certain implementations, the first and second films 114, 124, 164,174 are moved towards each other by moving the first and second parts182, 184 of the tool 180 towards each other. In an example, one or bothof the first and second parts 182, 184 may be pivoted towards the other.In another example, one or both of the first and second parts 182, 184may be slid towards the other. In another example, the first and secondparts 182, 184 are separable from each other and, therefore, freelymovable relative to each other.

In certain implementations, the protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 areconfigured to indicate a proper orientation to the technician applyingthe protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 to form the protective barrier105, 155 about the splice 110, 160. In certain examples, the protectivelayers 112, 122, 162, 172 are configured to facilitate distinguishingthe adhesive side of the protective layer 112, 122, 162, 172 from thenon-adhesive side. In certain examples, the adhesive side andnon-adhesive side have different colors. In certain examples, theadhesive side and non-adhesive side have different textures (e.g.,glossy versus matte, smooth versus textured, etc.). In still otherimplementations, each protective layer 112, 122, 162, 172 may be cut(e.g., notched at a pre-determined corner) to distinguish the adhesiveside from the non-adhesive side.

In certain implementations, indicia (e.g., inked indicia) are carried bythe protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 to distinguish the adhesive andnon-adhesive sides. In certain examples, the indicia is deposited orotherwise disposed between the film 114, 124, 164, 174 and the adhesivelayer 116, 126, 166, 176 of each protective layer 112, 122, 162, 172. Insome example, the indicia include text. In other examples, the indiciaincludes pictures or one or more blocks of color.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a protective layer 112, 122, 162, 172including example indicia 192. In the example shown, the indicia 192includes text. In an example, the text 192 extends over a majority ofthe protective layer 112, 122, 162, 172. In an example, the protectivelayer 112, 122, 162, 172 is elongate along a length and the text spans amajority of the length. In other examples, the text 192 may span lessthan half of the length protective layer 112, 122, 163, 172. In anexample, a height of the letters of the text span a majority of a widthof the protective layer 112, 122, 162, 172. In other examples, the text192 may span less than half of the width of the protective layer 112,122, 163, 172. In certain examples, the text is correctly oriented whenthe protective layer 112, 122, 162, 172 is arranged adhesive side down.

A technician applying a protective barrier 105, 155 about a splice 110,160 would position (e.g., using the tool 180) a first one of theprotective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 so that the text 192 was eitherupside-down or reversed (i.e., reading right-to-left) below the splice110, 160. The technician would then position a second one of theprotective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 so that the text 192 was right-sideup and reading left-to-right above the splice 110, 160. The technicianwould then bring the first and second protective layers 112, 122, 162,172 together (e.g., using the tool 180) to sandwich the splice 110, 160therebetween. In some examples, the technician would then apply heat toactive the adhesive sides of the protective layers to secure theprotective layers about the splice 110, 160. In other examples, thetechnician would remove blank films to uncover the adhesive side priorto bringing the adhesive sides (e.g., pressure-activated adhesive sides)together.

In certain implementations, each protective layer 112, 122, 162, 172 caninclude multiple types of indicia to facilitate properly orienting theprotective layer. In certain examples, an opaque coloring (e.g., white,black, gray, red, blue, green, etc.) 194 can form a background for thetext 192. In certain examples, the opaque coloring 194 may extend overonly a portion of the protective layer 112, 122, 162, 172. A remainderof the background may be transparent, allowing the technician to seethrough the protective layer 112, 122, 162, 172. In an example, theopaque coloring 194 overlaps a portion of the text 192.

In certain examples, the coloring 194 is sufficient to at leastpartially block visibility of the text 192 when viewed from the adhesiveside of the protective layer 112, 122, 162, 172 while not obscuring thetext when viewed from the non-adhesive side. In an example, the coloring194 fully blocks visibility of the overlapping text when viewed from theadhesive side. In some implementations, a technician can properlyposition the first and second protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 byaligning the opaque coloring of the two layers one above the other. Inother implementations, a technician can properly position the first andsecond protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 by offsetting the opaquecoloring of the two layers. Accordingly, the protective barrier 105, 155is assembled so that portions of the fibers and splice 110, 160 arevisible along a full length of the protective barrier 105, 155. Forexample, a top portion of the fibers and splice 110, 160 may be visibleat one (e.g., left) side of the protective barrier 105, 155 and a bottomportion of the fibers and splice 110, 160 may be visible at the other(e.g., right) side of the protective barrier 105, 155.

ASPECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Aspect 1. A splice arrangement comprising a protective barrier disposedacross an optical splice between at least two optical fibers, theprotective barrier including first and second protective layers that areeach separately bonded to portions of the optical fibers.Aspect 2. The splice arrangement of aspect 1, wherein each protectivelayer is adhesively bonded to the optical fibers.Aspect 3. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 1 and 2, wherein eachprotective layer is bonded to bare fiber sections of the optical fibers.Aspect 4. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 1-3, wherein eachprotective layer is bonded to coated fiber sections of the opticalfibers.Aspect 5. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 1-4, wherein thefirst and second protective layers are bonded to each other at portionsof a periphery of the optical splice.Aspect 6. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 1-5, wherein eachprotective layer includes a film carrying a layer of adhesive.Aspect 7. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 1-6, wherein the atleast two optical fibers include a first single optical fiber and asecond single optical fiber spliced together at the splice location.Aspect 8. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 1-6, wherein the atleast two optical fibers include a first plurality of optical fibers anda second plurality of optical fibers spliced to each other at the splicelocation.Aspect 9. The splice arrangement of aspect 8, wherein the first andsecond plurality of optical fibers are each ribbonized.Aspect 10. The splice arrangement of aspect 8, wherein the first andsecond plurality of optical fibers are each loosely ribbonized.Aspect 11. The splice arrangement of aspect 8, wherein the first andsecond plurality of optical fibers are each fully loose relative to eachother.Aspect 12. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 2-11, wherein theadhesive is heat activated.Aspect 13. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 2-11, wherein theadhesive is pressure activated.Aspect 14. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 2-11, wherein theadhesive is UV curable.Aspect 15. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 6-11, wherein eachprotective layer includes a peelable protective backing at an oppositeside of the adhesive layer from the film.Aspect 16. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 6-12, wherein eachfilm includes a polymeric sheet.Aspect 17. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 1-16, wherein theprotective barrier does not restrict the flexibility of the opticalfibers at the splice location.Aspect 18. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 1-16, wherein theprotective barrier is not more than 55% as flexible as the cablearrangement.Aspect 19. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 2-18, wherein theadhesive of the protective barrier varies in thickness over an axiallength of the protective barrier, the axial length extending along theat least two optical fibers and through the splice location.Aspect 20. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 1-19, wherein theprotective barrier varies in thickness over an axial length of theprotective barrier, the axial length extending along the at least twooptical fibers and through the splice location.Aspect 21. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 1-20, wherein theprotective barrier varies in flexibility over an axial length of theprotective barrier, the axial length extending along the at least twooptical fibers and through the splice location.Aspect 22. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 6-21, wherein thefirst film has a different flexibility or thickness than the secondfilm.Aspect 23. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 1-22, wherein theprotective barrier was installed using a tool.Aspect 24. The tool of aspect 23, wherein the tool includes a first partthat holds the optical splice and a second part that holds one of theprotective layers, the first part being movable towards the second partto apply the protective layer to the optical splice.Aspect 25. The tool of aspect 24, wherein the first part of the toolalso holds the other of the protective layers in registration with theoptical splice and/or with the protective layer held by the second partof the tool.Aspect 26. The tool of any of aspects 23-25, wherein holders areinstalled around the optical fibers to hold the optical fibers to thetool.Aspect 27. The tool of any of aspects 23-26, wherein the tool isconfigured to tension the optical splice as the protective layer isbeing applied across the optical splice.Aspect 28. The tool of any of aspects 23-27, wherein the tool alsoapplies a second protective layer across the optical splice oppositefrom theAspect 29. A tool for installing a protective barrier across an opticalsplice to form a splice arrangement, such as the splice arrangement ofany of aspects 1-23, the optical splice being between at least first andsecond optical fibers, each of the first and second optical fibers beingheld by a respective holders, the tool comprising:

-   -   a first part defining a first holder mounting location        configured to receive the holder of the first optical fiber and        a second holder mounting location configured to receive the        holder of the second optical fiber to position the optical        splice at a known location; and    -   a second part movable relative to the first part between a first        position and a second position, wherein the tool applies a        protective layer to the optical splice when the second part is        moved to the second position.        Aspect 30. The tool of aspect 29, wherein the second part        defines a film mounting location at which a protective layer can        be held, the second part aligning the protective layer held at        the film mounting location with the optical splice when the        second part is disposed in the second position.        Aspect 31. The tool of any of aspects 29 and 30, wherein the        first part defines a film mounting location at which a        protective layer can be held, the first part aligning the        protective layer held at the film mounting location with the        optical splice.        Aspect 32. The tool of any of aspects 29-31, wherein the second        part pivots between the first and second positions.        Aspect 33. The tool of any of aspects 29-31, wherein the second        part slides between the first and second positions.        Aspect 34. The tool of any of aspects 29-31, wherein the second        part is freely movable between the first and second positions.        Aspect 35. The tool of any of aspects 29-34, wherein at least        one of the first and second holder mounting locations is        configured to bias the respective holder received thereat away        from the other of the first and second holder mounting locations        to tension the optical splice.        Aspect 36. The tool of aspect 35, wherein the tool includes a        biasing member configured to tension the optical splice.        Aspect 37. The tool of aspect 36, wherein the biasing member is        disposed one of the holder mounting locations.        Aspect 38. The tool of any of aspects 29-37, wherein the tool is        configured to activate an adhesive layer of the protective        layer.        Aspect 39. The tool of aspect 38, wherein the tool includes a        heater to heat the adhesive layer.        Aspect 40. The tool of aspect 38, wherein the tool includes a        pressure application arrangement to apply pressure to the        adhesive layer.        Aspect 41. The tool of aspect 38, wherein the tool includes an        emitter to emit UV light at the adhesive layer.        Aspect 42. A method for installing a protective barrier across        an optical splice between at least a first optical fiber and a        second optical fiber, the method comprising:    -   aligning a protective layer with the optical splice so that the        protective layer spans the optical splice and extends from the        optical splice along portions of the first and second optical        fibers; and    -   moving the protective layer into contact with the portions of        first and second optical fibers.        Aspect 43. The method of aspect 42, further comprising        adhesively bonding the protective layer to the first and second        optical fibers.        Aspect 44. The method of aspect 43, wherein the protective layer        includes a film carrying an adhesive layer, and wherein the        method further comprises activating the adhesive layer.        Aspect 45. The method of aspect 44, wherein activating the        adhesive layer includes heating the adhesive layer.        Aspect 46. The method of aspect 44, wherein activating the        adhesive layer includes applying pressure to press the adhesive        layer against the first and second optical fibers.        Aspect 47. The method of aspect 44, wherein activating the        adhesive layer includes emitting UV light at the adhesive layer.        Aspect 48. The method of any of aspects 42-47, wherein the        protective layer is a first protective layer; and wherein the        method further comprises aligning a second protective layer at        an opposite side of the optical splice from the first protective        layer; and moving the second protective layer into contact with        the first and second optical fibers.        Aspect 49. The method of aspect 48, wherein each protective        layer only bonds to the first and second optical fibers and/or        the optical splice.        Aspect 50. The method of aspect 48, wherein the first and second        protective layers bond to each other at outer extends of the        optical splice.        Aspect 51. The method of any of aspects 42-50, wherein the        aligning and moving steps are performed using a tool.        Aspect 52. The method of any of aspects 48-51, wherein each of        the first and second protective layers includes an adhesive side        and a non-adhesive side, and wherein aligning the first        protective layer and aligning the second protective layer        comprises aligning the first and second protective layers so        that the adhesive sides face each other.        Aspect 53. The method of aspect 52, wherein the first and second        protective layer include text indicia properly readable when        viewed from the non-adhesive side.        Aspect 54. The method of aspect 52, wherein the first and second        protective layer include opaque coloring indicia extending over        only a portion of the respective protective layer.        Aspect 55. The method of aspect 54, wherein aligning the first        and second protective layers so that the adhesive sides face        each other comprises offsetting the opaque coloring of the first        and second protective layers.        Aspect 56. The method of aspect 52, wherein the first and second        protective layer include a notch at a predetermined location.

Having described the preferred aspects and implementations of thepresent disclosure, modifications and equivalents of the disclosedconcepts may readily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it isintended that such modifications and equivalents be included within thescope of the claims which are appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A splice arrangement comprising: optical fibersthat are fusion spliced together at a splice location; and a protectivebarrier disposed across the splice location, the protective barrierincluding first and second films, each of the first and second filmscarrying a respective adhesive layer, the splice location being bondedbetween the adhesive layers of the first and second films, wherein thefirst and second films include text indicia properly readable whenviewed from non-adhesive sides of the first and second films, whereinaligning the first and second films includes aligning the text indiciato face in different directions.
 2. The splice arrangement of claim 1,wherein the optical fibers include a first single optical fiber and asecond single optical fiber spliced together at the splice location. 3.The splice arrangement of claim 2, wherein the optical fibers includes afirst plurality of optical fibers spliced to a second plurality ofoptical fibers at the splice location.
 4. The splice arrangement ofclaim 3, wherein the first and second plurality of optical fibers areeach ribbonized.
 5. The splice arrangement of claim 3, wherein the firstand second plurality of optical fibers are each loosely ribbonized. 6.The splice arrangement of claim 3, wherein the first and secondplurality of optical fibers are each fully loose relative to each other.7. The splice arrangement of claim 1, wherein the adhesive is heatactivated.
 8. The splice arrangement of claim 1, wherein the adhesive ispressure activated.
 9. The splice arrangement of claim 1, wherein theadhesive is UV curable.
 10. The splice arrangement of claim 1, whereineach film includes a flexible polymeric sheet.
 11. The splicearrangement of claim 1, wherein the protective barrier restricts theflexibility of the optical fibers at the splice location by at least50%.
 12. The splice arrangement of claim 1, wherein the protectivebarrier varies in thickness over an axial length of the protectivebarrier.
 13. The splice arrangement of claim 1, wherein the protectivebarrier varies in flexibility over an axial length of the protectivebarrier.
 14. The splice arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first filmhas a different flexibility or thickness than the second film.
 15. Thesplice arrangement of claim 1, wherein each of the first and secondfilms include opaque coloring indicia extending over only a portion of arespective polymeric sheet.
 16. The splice arrangement of claim 15,wherein aligning the first and second films includes offsetting theopaque coloring of the polymeric sheets.
 17. The splice arrangement ofclaim 1, wherein each of the first and second films includes a notch ata predetermined location.